I have been keeping a journal ever since I can remember. To be honest I think I been journaling ever since I could write. It all started with a diary and that cute little lock and pen that came with it. Of course, when I was younger, I didn’t know that it was a journal and how beneficial it would be for me as I got older. I journal because it’s similar to me talking to someone about all of my problems but instead I’m just writing them all down on paper. You can talk to someone about all of your problems and secrets but when you write them down on paper you don’t have to worry about any kind of judgment from anyone. If you are reading this because you want to start journaling then
Why Do You Want To Journal
Now some people may journal for different reasons and that’s okay because we all need to journal because it’s a stress reliever, helps us set goals, and lets us think back to how far we have come. For me personally, I always go back and look at my journals and laugh because I’m like omg I wanted this or omg I did that or I’m like wow I have come so far, I actually did that. Some reasons you may want to start keeping a journal can be having a stress reliever, getting all of your thoughts jotted down, or simply being able to learn the discipline to sit and write. I said that because I know a lot of people unlike myself don’t like to write. They find it a waste of time or energy especially when you can just type nowadays but honestly, it’s just not the same. That’s why you have to ask that simple question, “why do I want to start journaling”? This will help you to stay consistent to see goals and growth when you decide to start on your journaling journey.
Finding The Right Time / Space To Write
Ooh, this is so important because it takes a specific time and specific space to write. I always write late at night normally when I have a lot going on. I have to just jot it all down on paper to get my thoughts and ideas in order because I feel like I’m all over the place or better yet I would just feel overwhelmed. When I start to write I always write in my bed with the lamp on and the candle burning, this in itself soothes and prepares me to put it all on paper. You want to make sure you find a quiet, safe, and calming place because its best to not have any distractions around you when you begin writing in your journal.
Before You Write Make Sure
- There is no noise around you
- You are in a comfortable area
- You have an ample amount of time to write
- That you’re not writing because you feel like you “have too”
Always Put The Date And Time On Your Entry
I find that putting a date and time on your journal entry might not make that much sense to you if you are just needing to jot things down but you will understand in the future. When I read my journal entries from 4 or 5 years ago, I’m like wow! You’re able to look at all that you have been through and that will not only be motivation for yourself to keep on going but to see that you can do this. I love seeing my growth and progress! I love seeing how things that mattered to me so much when I was 20, I don’t even think about in my mid-twenties. This is what gives me relief when I’m having a hard time, knowing that as I grow and as time goes on that no matter what it will always be OK! Proof from my past entries helps me realize that with every word I read from my journal. So, if you haven’t started please always make sure to put the date and time… well, not exactly the time that’s just something I like to do. But please make sure to at least put the date.
Blank Page Fear
I’m sure we have all been here before, even me and I LOVE to write in my journal. I get all excited about finally getting time to write in my journal but then I just go blank. Most of the time, I’m afraid of where to start because I have so much that I want to put down but then I have to remind myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect. I let myself start with what feels right. Now there are also times when I don’t know what to write, or don’t have anything to hardly write so I began to think of anything that I consider hard, tough, or stressful that I encountered over the few months and I let it all out. Normally that helps me “unload” and lift a certain type of weight off of me and I feel free. Don’t let the blank page fear take over. Once you start writing, all of your juices will just start flowing and then boom your writing 8 pages! Lol well, you don’t have to write that much but trust me you will feel good.
What All Is Going On With You
“We all have stuff going on in our lives” Have you heard that one? But this saying is so true! We are all going through something all the time, at some point in our lives. Journaling is a great way to deal with it all. Keep track of how you feel, what you did, what has happened and any other questions that would relate to help you express what you are going through. It can be anything from graduating from college, a big transition at work, or even something as not holding yourself accountable. All of these things are great topics to write about if you ask me! Again, this can help you with progress for how you deal with these situations and what you can learn from them. I believe that all of our ‘mistakes and failures” are actually giving us the knowledge and strength to keep moving forward always remember that as you write.
Always End On A Positive Note
Ending on a positive note, being grateful for what you have, and even the fact that you woke up today is a great way to wrap up or end your journal entry. I know it can be easy to write that you want this, and you should have that, but it is important to be grateful for what you have! Like “Be kind to yourself, tell yourself that it is okay, be glad that you have a warm bed and a roof over your head. Be glad for the necessities because I know you have heard this before but you being able to come home and lay your head down is something that a lot of people can’t say they have. I always wrap up with a little note or chant to myself like” You are amazing or You got this”. There is a whole letter I wrote to myself when I was 23 years old in my journal and I go back and read it all the time. It gives me comfort and peace each and every time I read it. I love it because it is my younger self writing to who I am right now and who I will become in the future.
Just Try It
Alright, so what’s holding you back? Yourself? Are you scared to write it all down on paper? Remember this is your private journal so you are not going to be showing it off to the world but to yourself. No one is going to be criticizing how you ordered your thoughts, or that you misspelled a word, or that you’re all over the place! Once again who cares it’s your journal and it’s good to just get all of those feelings out on paper, it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks…this especially applies here. Don’t be afraid to just do it! I know you have plenty of notebooks lying around because as a woman I know that we love to plan, organize, and write everything down. So, make one of those notebooks your journal and get to it!!
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